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The Uncommon Appeal of Clouds Audiobook
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(3.01) - 1,081 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Alexander McCall Smith charms fans across the globe with his best-selling works, including the mega-hit No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. This ninth entry in his beloved Scotland-set Isabel Dalhousie series finds its philosopher heroine helping the wealthy Duncan Munrowe track down a painting that was stolen from his collection. But as new information arises, Isabel finds it difficult to tell who is the painting's rightful owner, and who is the thief.
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"Isabel Dalhousie is always charming. This installment felt most like a proper mystery, yet lacked the fireworks of a big reveal (was more subtle, which is Isabel's style). Right book at the right time for me."
— Jennifer (4 out of 5 stars)
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“McCall Smith spikes his heroine’s seemingly cloistered world with enough close encounters with tragedy—a neighbor stabbed to death by someone he brought home, for example—to make both Isabel and the reader aware of the fragility of good fortune. Utterly satisfying.”
— Booklist (starred review) -
“With his usual deft hand, Smith conjures characters with a few lines—housekeeper Grace with her short fuse is particularly alive—and he has a knack for combining light comedy and serious thought.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“A delight…The leisurely paced plot combined with well-loved characters is like a retreat for the mind. Narrator Davina Porter adds even more charm to Isabel’s philosophical meanderings as she edits ‘The Review of Applied Ethics,’ raises her three-year-old son with her much adored younger husband, Jamie, and is solicited by a friend to help solve the mystery of an art theft.”
— AudioFile
Awards
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Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award
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A New York Times bestseller
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A Publishers Weekly bestseller
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A USA Today bestseller
The Uncommon Appeal of Clouds Listener Reviews
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" This is my least favorite of his series, but I still enjoy spending some time in Edinburgh with these characters. "
— Emily, 2/19/2014 -
" As always Alexander McCall Smith welcomes you into Isabel's world and it feels like sinking into a warm, relaxing bath. While Isabel questions her motives for doing things and asks if her actions or thoughts are morally or ethically sound, she also takes human pleasure in taking a little dig at those who have crossed her or displeased her in some way. She openly owns to finding certain people irritating or annoying but will always rationalise and often excuse their behaviour. She leads a comfortable existence but is aware of it and she reminds us and herself to take notice of and pleasure in the simple things in life. "
— Joanne, 2/6/2014 -
" I listen to AMS on audio and I just love Davina Porter's voice. Any trace of Edinburgh makes me have a happy day. "
— Gina, 2/5/2014 -
" Like all in this series...I loved it! "
— Cmazzara, 1/29/2014 -
" I just love all Alexnder Mccall Smith books, and this certainly did not disappoint. "
— Katy, 1/27/2014 -
" I love Isabel - I love the way these books bring up deep issues in a quiet way - interesting to have her thinking more in this book about how the wealth she has was acquired "
— Deborah, 1/19/2014 -
" The Dalhousie books are all relatively quick and enjoyable reads. I like the trains of thought the main character goes on, though the plots of these books leave a bit to be desired. "
— Heidi, 1/15/2014 -
" One of my favorite authors. I read everything by him. "
— David, 1/10/2014 -
" another stellar book from one of my favorites. "
— Niru, 12/26/2013 -
" Absolutely love Isabel. This one left me a little unhappy. Ending was too open ended and unsatisfying. "
— Caroline, 12/16/2013 -
" The mystery of the stolen painting is interesting. Its ambiguity adds realism. The story is more serious and reflective, lacking some of the author's characteristic subtle humor. "
— Max, 12/14/2013 -
" While the plot was a bit thin, the philosophy was enjoyable as ever. The biggest drawback to a McCall Smith book is that it's over too soon! "
— Abcdarian, 12/6/2013 -
" Reading Alexander McCall Smith is like relaxing with a good friend. Wonderful for middle-of-the-night reading! "
— Sharen, 11/22/2013 -
" The book was balm for my never-ending bout of flu....unfortunately the flu outlasted the book and now I can't find anything else to read so curative. Bummer. "
— Susan, 10/8/2013 -
" Too simplistically formulaic. A thin veneer of character development compared to his other books. "
— Craig, 9/29/2013 -
" Isabel's life progresses in this book but not in a way McCall Smith usually uses. This time the mystery Isabel helps with takes on the vast majority of the story line. While there are references to Charlie, Jamie and others they are very minor in this story. "
— Kay, 6/27/2013 -
" Another installment in the life of Isabel, Jamie & Charlie along with a mysterious Art theft caper for Isabel solve. Still loving the series. "
— Jo, 6/10/2013 -
" I think Isabel is lightening up a bit finally. "
— Margaret, 5/5/2013 -
" I would love to spend some time with Isabel, we could drift and reconnect over and over. "
— Cindy, 3/4/2013 -
" light mindless and cheerful "
— Phil, 2/21/2013 -
" Not as enjoyable as other books in this series "
— Cheryl, 1/28/2013
About Alexander McCall Smith
Alexander McCall Smith is the New York Times bestselling author of numerous novels, including the No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, the Isabel Dalhousie series, 44 Scotland Street novels, Corduroy Mansions series, the Perfect Passion Company novels, and more. He has also written stand-alone novels, books for children, and nonfiction works. In 2004 he was named the British Book Awards Author of the Year and Booksellers Association Author of the Year. He is professor emeritus of medical law at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and has served with many national and international organizations concerned with bioethics. He was born in what is now known as Zimbabwe and taught law at the University of Botswana.
About Davina Porter
Davina Porter has been enthralling listeners for over twenty-five years with her ability to mine the psychological depths of the characters she reads and bring them convincingly to life. In 2006, she won the prestigious Audie Award for Best Female Narration and in 2004 for Best Inspirational Literature Narration. She has been honored as an AudioFile Golden Voice and has won nineteen AudioFile Earphones Awards. As an actress, she has appeared on stage at the Vineyard Playhouse and the Square One Theater, among others.